JP6921583B2 - Water faucet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention also relates to a water tap.

Conventionally, a water tap for supplying agricultural water (water) to a field has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The water faucet of Patent Document 1 is a floating ball arranged between a valve body, a plurality of first protrusions and second protrusions arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body, and a plurality of first protrusions. It is provided with a (valve body) and a lid portion that covers the upper part of the valve body. The buoyant ball comes into close contact with the valve seat provided on the lid, so that the discharge port is closed and the water tap is closed.
The second protrusion defines the range of movement below the float ball.

On the other hand, when the spindle penetrating the lid is pulled down and pushed down against the buoyancy of the float ball, the valve seat and the outer surface of the float ball are separated from each other. Therefore, water passes through the throat portion of the valve seat and the float ball, and the water is ejected from the outlet of the lid to the outside, and the water tap is opened.
By opening and closing the faucet, the flow rate of water supplied to the fields can be adjusted.

Jikkensho 61-028944

However, since water is supplied from a pond or the like, the water contains garbage such as dead grass. If this dust gets stuck in the valve body, it becomes difficult to open and close the water tap.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a water faucet having measures against clogging of the valve body with dust, and a valve body can be driven so as to open the water faucet. The purpose is to provide an automatic faucet.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
A plurality of water taps of the present invention are arranged around the axis of the valve body and the valve body whose axis is formed in a tubular shape along the vertical direction, and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the axis. Further, the first projecting portion extending in the vertical direction and the edge portion of the lower end portion of the first projecting portion facing the axis are arranged so as to project toward the axis of the first projecting portion. A second protruding portion formed so that the distance between the lower end and the axis line is closer than the distance between the lower end portion and the axis line, and the second projecting portion, which is attached above the valve body, covers the opening of the valve body, and is the valve body. A lid portion having a through hole communicating with the internal space and a lid portion formed so as to be surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions in the valve body, and moving in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions. With a possible valve body, the valve body moves upward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions and seals the through hole when it comes into contact with the lid portion, and the plurality of first protrusions are provided. When it moves downward with respect to the protrusion, it is locked to the plurality of second protrusions, and the distance between the upper end of the first protrusion and the axis is the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis. It is characterized by being longer than the distance.

According to the present invention, when water does not flow in the valve body, the valve body moves downward due to its own weight and is supported by a plurality of second protrusions. At this time, the through hole of the lid is not closed by the valve body, and air or the like flows through the through hole.
When water flows from the lower side to the upper side in the valve body, the valve body moves from the lower side to the upper side by the acting buoyancy while being guided by the plurality of first protrusions. When the valve body closes the through hole, the faucet closes. Water that is agricultural water may contain garbage such as dead grass. Since the distance between the upper end of the first protrusion and the axis is longer than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis, a sufficient space is secured between the upper end of the first protrusion and the axis, and the valve body. It is possible to prevent dust from being clogged inside.

Further, in the above-mentioned water faucet, the edge portion of the second protruding portion facing the axis may be inclined so as to approach the axis as it goes upward.
According to the present invention, the valve body can be easily locked to the upper end of the edge portion of the second protruding portion facing the axis.

Further, in the above-mentioned water faucet, a branch pipe is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, and a branch space is formed which communicates with the internal space of the valve body and opens to the outside, and the valve body. A connecting piece provided on the outer peripheral surface above the branch pipe of the above, and a recess may be formed on the outer surface of the connecting piece facing upward.
According to the present invention, for example, when the valve body is formed by injection molding or the like, the concave portion is formed in the connecting piece, so that shrinkage is less likely to occur around the concave portion, and the periphery of the connecting piece in the valve body is formed. Dimensional accuracy is improved. For example, when the connecting piece is formed at the upper end of the valve body, when the upper end of the valve body and the lid are sealed with a sealing member such as an O-ring, the valve body and the lid Can be securely sealed with a sealing member.
Generally, at the time of injection molding, the mold having the concave portion is removed from the concave portion by moving it to the side where the outer surface on which the concave portion is formed faces. Since the recess is formed on the outer surface of the connecting piece facing upward, the mold forming the recess is removed from the recess by moving it upward. Since the branch pipe is arranged below the connecting piece, it is possible to suppress the moving mold from interfering with the branch pipe and to facilitate the formation of a recess by injection molding.

Further, the other water faucet of the present invention is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the valve body and the valve body whose axis is formed in a tubular shape along the vertical direction, and communicates with the internal space of the valve body. A branch pipe having a branch space that opens to the outside and a plurality of branch pipes arranged around the axis of the valve body, projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the axis and extending in the vertical direction. It is arranged so as to project toward the axis from the first protruding portion and the edge of the lower end of the first protruding portion facing the axis, and the distance between the lower end of the first protruding portion and the axis. A second protruding portion formed so as to be closer to the axis, and a through hole attached above the valve body, covering the opening of the valve body, and communicating with the internal space of the valve body. A lid portion formed of the above, and a valve body arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions in the valve body and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions. When the valve body moves upward with respect to the plurality of first protruding portions and comes into contact with the lid portion, the valve body seals the through hole and downwards with respect to the plurality of first protruding portions. When it is moved, it is locked to the plurality of second protrusions, and the lower end of the first protrusion is arranged at the same position in the vertical direction or below the upper end of the branch space. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, the water supply pipe inserted from below in the valve body is locked to the lower end of the first protrusion. The lower end of the first protruding portion is arranged at the same position in the vertical direction or below the lower end of the branch space. Therefore, the water supply pipe does not block the branch space of the branch pipe, and the dust stuck in the valve body can be easily removed from the outside through the branch space of the branch pipe.

Further, the automatic water faucet of the present invention operates by electric power from the water faucet according to any one of the above, and separates the valve body that seals the through hole of the lid portion from the through hole of the lid portion. It is characterized by including a water faucet driving mechanism for causing the water faucet to be driven, a control unit for controlling the water faucet driving mechanism, and a solar cell for supplying electric power to the water faucet driving mechanism and the control unit.
According to the present invention, the water tap is closed by the buoyancy acting on the valve body, and is opened by separating the valve body from the through hole of the lid portion against the buoyancy of the valve body. Therefore, even when the control unit is operated by electric power and the faucet drive mechanism is driven to automatically close and open the faucet, the electric power is mainly consumed when the faucet is opened. Therefore, even if a solar cell, which generates a relatively small amount of electric power, is used, the faucet can be reliably closed and opened by the faucet drive mechanism.

According to the water faucet and the automatic water faucet of the present invention, it is possible to take measures against clogging of the valve body with dust.

It is a vertical sectional view excluding the solar cell panel housing in the automatic water faucet of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a vertical cross-sectional view in a direction different from FIG. 1 of the automatic water faucet. It is an enlarged view of the main part in FIG. It is a top view of the valve body and the like of the automatic water faucet. It is sectional drawing corresponding to the VV line in FIG. It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of the automatic water faucet in embodiment of the modification of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the automatic water faucet according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic water faucet 1 is used by being connected to the water supply pipe P1.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the automatic water faucet 1 includes the water faucet 2 of the present embodiment, the water faucet driving mechanism 51 for moving the valve body 46 described later of the water faucet 2, and the water faucet driving mechanism 51. It includes a control unit 76 that controls the water faucet drive mechanism 51, and a solar cell panel (solar cell) 61 that supplies electric power to the water faucet drive mechanism 51 and the control unit 76.
In the following, first, the water faucet 2 will be described.

The water faucet 2 is provided in a valve body 11 in which the axis C is formed in a cylindrical shape along the vertical direction, a plurality of first protrusions 21 arranged around the axis C of the valve body 11, and each of the first protrusions 21. A second protruding portion 23 arranged at the lower end in the axis C direction, a branch pipe 26 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 11, a plurality of first connecting pieces (connecting pieces) 31, and a valve body 11. It has a lid portion 36 that covers the opening, and a valve body 46 that is arranged so as to be surrounded by a plurality of first protruding portions 21 in the valve body 11.

Here, the lid portion 36 is formed in a humpback tubular shape, and the valve body 46 is formed in a spherical shape. The central axes of the lid portion 36 and the valve body 46 are arranged coaxially with the axis C of the valve body 11. Hereinafter, the axis C direction is referred to as a vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the valve body 11 side is referred to as the lower side, and the solar cell panel 61 side is referred to as the upper side. When the automatic water faucet 1 is viewed from the vertical direction, the direction orthogonal to the axis C is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction orbiting around the axis C is referred to as the circumferential direction. The direction toward the axis C is called the inside in the radial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve body 11 has a large-diameter tubular portion 12 arranged coaxially with the axis C, and the diameter of the valve main body 11 is gradually reduced from the lower end portion of the large-diameter tubular portion 12 downward. It has a diameter cylinder portion 13 and a small diameter cylinder portion 14 extending downward from the lower end portion of the diameter reduction cylinder portion 13.
As shown in FIG. 5, a groove portion 12a is formed over the entire circumference of the upper end opening edge of the large-diameter tubular portion 12. A first seal member 16 such as an O-ring is arranged in the groove portion 12a.
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter of the small diameter cylinder portion 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter cylinder portion 12. The inner diameter of the small diameter cylinder portion 14 is equivalent to the outer diameter of the water supply pipe P1.
Although the valve body 11 is assumed to be cylindrical, the cross-sectional shape of the valve body 11 orthogonal to the axis C is not limited to a circle. For example, this cross-sectional shape of the valve body may be elliptical or polygonal.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the water tap 2 includes three first protrusions 21 which are guides and three second protrusions 23. The number of the first protruding portion 21 and the second protruding portion 23 included in the water faucet 2 is not particularly limited as long as they are plural, and each of them may be two or four or more. When the water tap 2 includes two first protrusions 21, it can be said that the valve body 46 is arranged between the two first protrusions 21, but even in this case, the valve body 46 is also provided. Is expressed as being arranged so as to be surrounded by the two first protruding portions 21.
For example, the three first protruding portions 21 are arranged at equal angles in the circumferential direction. In FIG. 3, the shapes of the first protruding portion 21 and the second protruding portion 23 are shown by a two-dot chain line at a position near the branch pipe 26 where the first protruding portion 21 and the second protruding portion 23 do not originally exist. ing.

The first protruding portion 21 protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 11 and extends along the vertical direction. The upper surface and the lower surface of the first protruding portion 21 are flat surfaces that are substantially orthogonal to each other in the vertical direction. In the first protruding portion 21, the edge portion facing the axis C arranged above the second protruding portion 23 is a flat surface substantially orthogonal to the radial direction. _{The distance D 1} between the upper end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C is longer than _{the distance D 2} between the lower end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C. In other words, the overhang height to the axis C (approaching the axis C) is lower at the upper end of the first protrusion 21 than at the lower end of the first protrusion 21.
The upper end of the first protruding portion 21 extends to the upper end of the large diameter tubular portion 12, and the lower end of the first protruding portion 21 extends to the upper end of the small diameter tubular portion 14. The radial length of the lower end of the first protruding portion 21 is preferably equal to the thickness of the pipe wall of the water supply pipe P1.

The second protruding portion 23 has a triangular shape in a side view (longitudinal view). The second protruding portion 23 is formed so as to protrude inward in the radial direction from the edge portion of the first protruding portion 21 facing the axis C of the lower end portion. The edge portion 23a of the second protruding portion 23 facing the axis C is inclined so as to approach the axis C as it goes upward. In other words, the overhang height of the lower end of the edge portion 23a on the axis C is lower than the overhang height of the upper end of the edge portion 23a on the axis C. Upper edge 23a is disposed so that the distance is close to the axis C than the distance D _{2. That is, the distance D 3} between the upper end of the edge portion 23a and the axis C is shorter than the distance D _2.
The upper edge of the second protrusion 23 is gradually inclined downward as it goes inward in the radial direction. The upper end of the second protruding portion 23 extends to the lower end portion of the large diameter tubular portion 12, and the lower end of the second protruding portion 23 is connected to the lower end of the first protruding portion 21.

The branch pipe 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surfaces of the lower end portion of the large diameter tubular portion 12, the reduced diameter tubular portion 13, and the upper end portion of the small diameter tubular portion 14. The branch space 26a formed in the branch pipe 26 communicates with the internal space 11a of the valve body 11. The branch space 26a is a tubular hole of the branch pipe 26, and the internal space 11a is a tubular hole of the valve body 11. The branch space 26a opens to the outside at the first end on the side opposite to the valve body 11. The opening at the first end of the branch space 26a is sealed by the watering nozzle 27. For example, the watering nozzle 27 is detachably attached to the branch pipe 26 by fitting a screw (not shown).
The lower end of the first protruding portion 21 is arranged at the same position in the vertical direction with respect to the lower end of the branch space 26a. The lower end of the first protruding portion 21 may be arranged below the lower end of the branch space 26a.
A groove 26b for attaching a second seal member such as an O-ring may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the branch pipe 26.

If the number of the first protrusions 21 included in the water tap 2 is two, it is conceivable that the valve body 46 moves radially outward from between the first protrusions 21 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of first protrusions 21 are present. It becomes difficult for the protruding portion 21 to guide the valve body 46 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the number 3 which is the number of the first protruding portions 21 included in the water faucet 2 in the present embodiment is a relatively small number.
On the other hand, the branch pipe 26 is a portion on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 11 where a plurality of first protrusions 21 are not formed, and more specifically, the first protrusions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 11. There is an opening in the portion between the portions 21. The smaller the number of the first protruding portions 21 included in the water tap 2, the larger the area of the portion between the first protruding portions 21 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 11. Therefore, the smaller the number of the first protrusions 21 included in the water tap 2, the larger the inner diameter of the branch pipe 26 that opens to the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 11.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first connecting piece 31 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the large diameter tubular portion 12 of the valve body 11. The first connecting piece 31 is arranged above the branch pipe 26. The first connecting piece 31 is formed in a plate shape in which the vertical direction is the thickness direction.
As shown in FIG. 5, the upper surface of the first connecting piece 31 is a flat surface substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction. The upper surface of the first connecting piece 31 is flush with the upper surface of the large diameter tubular portion 12. The lower surface of the first connecting piece 31 is gradually inclined upward as it goes outward in the radial direction.
In the plan view shown in FIG. 4, the radial outer edge portion of the first connecting piece 31 is curved so as to project outward in the radial direction. At the radial outer edge of the first connecting piece 31, the central portion in the circumferential direction is the most distant from the large diameter tubular portion 12, and both end portions in the circumferential direction are connected to the large diameter tubular portion 12.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a bolt hole 31a that penetrates the first connecting piece 31 in the vertical direction is formed in the central portion of the first connecting piece 31 in the circumferential direction. A pair of recesses 31b are formed on the upper surface of the first connecting piece 31 so as to sandwich the bolt holes 31a in the circumferential direction. The upper surface of the first connecting piece 31 is the outer surface of the first connecting piece 31 facing upward. The recess 31b is formed on the outer surface of the first connecting piece 31 opposite to the branch pipe 26.
In the present embodiment, four first connecting pieces 31 are arranged on the valve body 11. For example, the four first connecting pieces 31 are arranged at equal angles in the circumferential direction. In the plan view shown in FIG. 4, the first connecting piece 31 is arranged so as not to overlap the branch pipe 26 as much as possible.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that four first connecting pieces 31 are arranged on the valve body 11. However, the number of the first connecting pieces 31 arranged on the valve body 11 is not limited, and may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more. It is assumed that two recesses 31b are formed in the first connecting piece 31. However, the number of recesses 31b formed in the first connecting piece 31 is not limited, and may be one or three or more.

For example, the valve main body 11, the first protruding portion 21, the second protruding portion 23, the branch pipe 26, and the first connecting piece 31 (hereinafter referred to as the valve main body 11 and the like) are integrally formed by injection molding or the like using a resin. Is formed in. Examples of the resin used for injection molding include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the like.
Of the molds that form the valve body 11 and the like, the portion that forms the recess 31b is moved to remove the mold from the valve body 11 and the like after the valve body 11 and the like are molded. The direction of this movement is the direction F1 shown in FIG. 3, in which the outer surface on which the recess 31b is formed faces. For example, if a recess is formed on the lower surface of the first connecting piece 31, the portion of the mold forming the valve body or the like that forms the recess is moved in the direction F2 after the valve body or the like is molded. .. In this case, the mold may interfere with the branch pipe 26.

The lid portion 36 is detachably attached above the valve body 11. The lid portion 36 has a lid portion main body 37 formed in a climax tubular shape, and a third seal member 38 attached to the lower surface of the lid portion main body 37.
The top wall portion 40 of the lid portion main body 37 is formed with a communication hole 40a that penetrates the top wall portion 40 in the vertical direction. The communication hole 40a is formed coaxially with the axis C. A female screw (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the communication hole 40a. A plurality of discharge holes 40b are formed at positions surrounding the communication holes 40a in the top wall portion 40.
An engaging portion 41a recessed upward is formed on the lower surface of the peripheral wall portion 41 of the lid portion main body 37. On the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 41, a plurality of second connecting pieces (not shown) are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of first connecting pieces 31 of the valve body 11 in the vertical direction. Bolt holes are formed in each of the second connecting pieces at positions corresponding to the bolt holes 31a of the first connecting piece 31 in the vertical direction.
Spacers 41b are formed on the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 41 at intervals in the circumferential direction.

For example, the lid body 37 and the second connecting piece are integrally formed by injection molding or the like using resin as described above.
By fixing the bolts inserted into the bolt holes of the second connecting piece 31 and the bolt holes 31a of the first connecting piece 31 with nuts, the lid portion 36 is detachably attached to the valve body 11.

The third seal member 38 is formed in a ring shape and is arranged coaxially with the axis C. The third seal member 38 is formed with an opening 38a coaxial with the axis C. The opening 38a of the third seal member 38, the space inside the lid portion 36, and the discharge hole 40b form a through hole 36a communicating with the internal space 11a of the valve body 11.
An engaged portion 38b protruding upward is formed on the upper surface of the ring-shaped third seal member 38. The engaged portion 38b is formed over the entire circumference of the third seal member 38. The lower surface 38c of the third seal member 38 is gradually inclined upward as it goes inward in the radial direction.
The third seal member 38 is attached to the lid main body 37 by fitting the engaged portion 38b of the third seal member 38 into the engaging portion 41a of the peripheral wall portion 41.

The upper part of the lid portion 36 is covered with the cover 43. The cover 43 is formed in a humpback tubular shape. The diameter of the peripheral wall portion of the cover 43 gradually increases toward the bottom. The cover 43 has an umbrella shape as a whole.
The lower surface of the top wall portion of the cover 43 is in contact with the upper surface of the spacer 41b of the lid portion 36. The peripheral wall portion of the cover 43 is radially outwardly separated from the lid portion main body 37.

The valve body 46 is formed in a spherical shape. For example, the density of the valve body 46 as a whole is lower than the density of water, and the valve body 46 floats on water.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the inscribed circle C6 in contact with the plurality of first protruding portions 21 is defined, the outer diameter of the valve body 46 is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the inscribed circle C6. The valve body 46 is surrounded by a plurality of first protrusions 21. The valve body 46 can move in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions 21.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the valve body 46 moves downward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions 21 due to its own weight or the like, the valve body 46 is supported by the upper end of the edge portion 23a of the second protrusion 23 ( Locked). The second protruding portion 23 defines the lower end of the moving range of the valve body 46.
On the other hand, when the valve body 46 moves upward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions 21 due to buoyancy or the like and the valve body 46 is arranged at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3, the valve body 46 becomes. It comes into contact with the lower surface 38c of the third seal member 38. When the valve body 46 comes into contact with the third seal member 38, the valve body 46 seals the opening 38a (through hole 36a) of the third seal member 38. Water stops flowing through the opening 38a, and the water tap 2 closes.
The third seal member 38 defines the upper end of the moving range of the valve body 46.

Next, the configuration of the automatic water faucet 1 other than the water faucet 2 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water faucet drive mechanism 51 includes a spindle 52, a prism portion 53 provided at the upper end portion of the spindle 52, a drive motor 54 for rotating the prism portion 53 around the axis C, and the like. have.
The spindle 52 is formed in a rod shape extending in the vertical direction. On the outer peripheral surface of the spindle 52, a male screw (not shown) that fits with the female screw of the lid main body 37 is formed. Therefore, the spindle 52 can move along the vertical direction while maintaining the engaged state with the lid main body 37.
The lower surface of the spindle 52 is in contact with the upper surface of the valve body 46.

The prism portion 53 has a quadrangular cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axis C. A spindle 52 is inserted in the prism portion 53, and the spindle 52 can freely move with respect to the prism portion 53 in the vertical direction.
The drive motor 54 is operated by electric power. The drive motor 54 supplies electric power (current) to a coil (not shown) arranged in the motor body 54a, so that the rotating shaft 54b rotates around a predetermined axis along the vertical direction. By changing the direction of the electric power supplied to the coil, the direction in which the rotating shaft 54b rotates around the axis changes.
The drive motor 54 is preferably made of stainless steel. The rotating shaft 54b of the drive motor 54 transmits a rotational force to the prism portion 53 via a gear mechanism and a connecting shaft (not shown).

For example, the drive motor 54 rotates the spindle 52 in the forward direction E1 around the axis C. Then, the spindle 52 moves upward with respect to the lid portion 36. When the spindle 52 moves upward, the valve body 46 that receives the buoyancy of water moves upward, and the valve body 46 seals the opening 38a of the third seal member 38.
On the other hand, the drive motor 54 rotates the spindle 52 in the opposite direction E2 around the axis C. Then, the spindle 52 moves downward with respect to the lid portion 36. The spindle 52 moves the valve body 46 downward against the buoyancy received by the valve body 46, so that the valve body 46 that seals the opening 38a of the third seal member 38 is separated from the opening 38a (moved downward). ).

The solar cell panel 61 is configured by using, for example, a silicon type solar cell, a dye-sensitized solar cell, or the like. The solar cell panel 61 has a light receiving surface 61a that receives sunlight.
The solar cell panel 61 is detachably provided in the storage case 66 in a state of being housed in the solar cell panel housing 86.
Hereinafter, the storage case 66 will be described first.

The accommodating case 66 is a housing for accommodating the faucet drive mechanism 51. The storage case 66 includes a pedestal 67 arranged above the cover 43, and a box body 71 arranged above the pedestal 67 and having an opening / closing door 72.
A through hole 67a for penetrating the prism portion 53 is formed on the top surface of the gantry 67. The motor body 54a of the drive motor 54 is fixed to the gantry 67 via a motor mount 74, which will be described later.
For example, the gantry 67 is made of stainless steel.

The opening / closing door 72 is arranged on one side surface of the box body 71. By opening the normally closed opening / closing door 72, the user can work inside the box 71. A receiving portion 73 into which the engaging claw 90 described later of the solar cell panel housing 86 is fitted is formed on the upper portion of the box body 71.
In addition to the drive motor 54, a motor mount 74 on which the drive motor 54 is mounted, a storage battery 75, and a control unit 76 are housed inside the box body 71.
The motor body 54a of the drive motor 54 is fixed to the motor mount 74.
For example, the storage battery 75 is a lead battery or the like. The storage battery 75 stores the electric power obtained by the solar cell panel 61, and supplies the stored electric power to the drive motor 54 of the faucet drive mechanism 51. Since the storage battery 75 is relatively heavy, it is preferable that the storage battery 75 is stably installed at the bottom of the box body 71. As shown, the storage battery 75 is arranged next to the motor mount 74.

Although not shown, the control unit 76 includes a main control unit, a plurality of dials, lamps, switches, and the like.
The main control unit includes a control circuit, a memory, and the like. The control circuit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The memory includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like. A control program or the like for operating the control circuit is stored in the memory. The control circuit of the main control unit controls the drive motor 54 of the faucet drive mechanism 51.
For example, one of the plurality of dials is used to set the timing for moving the spindle 52 upward. The other one of the plurality of dials is used to set the time (ie, water supply time) for holding the spindle 52 moved upward. The lamp is for notifying whether or not the water is being supplied. The switch is for making various settings.
The control unit 76 may have a flow rate sensor or the like that detects whether or not water is flowing in the valve body 11.

The solar cell panel housing 86 includes a glass plate 87 arranged above the solar cell panel 61, and an upper case 88 and a lower case 89 that sandwich and hold the solar cell panel 61 and the glass plate 87 from above and below. I have. An engaging claw 90 is arranged on the lower surface of the lower case 89. The solar cell panel housing 86 is attached to the housing case 66 by fitting the engaging claw 90 into the receiving portion 73 of the box body 71.
On the other hand, the solar cell panel housing 86 is removed from the housing case 66 by releasing the fitting between the engaging claw 90 and the receiving portion 73.

Next, the operation of the automatic water faucet 1 configured as described above will be described. In advance, the spindle 52 is moved downward by the drive motor 54 so that the opening 38a of the third seal member 38 is not blocked by the valve body 46 and the water tap 2 is opened.
The user inserts the water supply pipe P1 from below the valve body 11 of the automatic water faucet 1. The upper end of the water supply pipe P1 is locked to the lower end of each first protrusion 21 from below. The lower end of the first protruding portion 21 functions as a stopper for the water supply pipe P1.
When the opening / closing door 72 of the storage case 66 is opened and the switch of the control unit 76 is pressed, the electric power stored in the storage battery 75 is supplied to the control unit 76, and the main control unit of the control unit 76 is activated. The solar cell panel 61 generates electricity by receiving sunlight on the light receiving surface 61a. The electric power generated by the solar cell panel 61 is stored in the storage battery 75.

When water is supplied through the water supply pipe P1, this water is ejected above the lid portion 36 through the internal space 11a of the valve body 11, the opening 38a of the third seal member 38, and the discharge hole 40b of the lid portion 36. The water ejected from the lid portion 36 flows radially outward between the lid portion 36 and the cover 43, and is supplied to a paddy field or the like below the cover 43.
When the flow rate sensor detects the water flowing in the valve body 11, the main control unit lights the lamp and measures the time during which the water is flowing in the valve body 11 by a timer.

Garbage such as dead grass contained in water which is agricultural water flows from the inside of the water supply pipe P1 into the internal space 11a of the valve body 11. Since there is almost no step in the radial direction between the inner peripheral surface of the water supply pipe P1 and the lower end of the first protruding portion 21, dust is less likely to be caught on the lower end of the first protruding portion 21, and dust is less likely to be caught on the first protruding portion 21. Hard to collect.
_{The distance D 1} between the upper end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C is longer than _{the distance D 2} between the lower end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C. Therefore, a sufficient space is secured between the upper end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C, and dust G can be collected in the valve body 11 including this space.

When the timer detects that the constant water supply time set by the dial has elapsed, the main control unit drives the drive motor 54 by supplying the electric power stored in the storage battery 75 to the drive motor 54, and the spindle 52 moves upward. Move to. The valve body 46 moves upward by the buoyancy of water while being guided by the plurality of first protrusions 21, and seals the opening 38a of the third seal member 38. As a result, the water tap 2 is closed, and the main control unit turns off the lamp.
The main control unit drives the drive motor 54 as needed and moves the valve body 46 downward to open the water tap 2.

When the valve body 11 is clogged with dust G, the watering nozzle 27 is removed from the branch pipe 26 with the water tap 2 closed. An appropriate tool is inserted into the branch pipe 26 to remove dust G from the valve body 11. At this time, the upper surface of the water supply pipe P1 is arranged at the same position in the vertical direction with respect to the lower end of the branch space 26a. Therefore, the water supply pipe P1 is unlikely to be an obstacle when visually checking the inside of the valve body 11 through the branch space 26a, inserting a tool, or the like.

As described above, according to the water faucet 2 of the present embodiment, when water does not flow in the valve body 11, the valve body 46 moves downward due to its own weight and is supported by the plurality of second protrusions 23. .. At this time, the through hole 36a of the lid portion 36 is not closed by the valve body 46, and air or the like flows through the through hole 36a.
When water flows in the valve body 11 from the lower side to the upper side, the valve body 46 moves from the lower side to the upper side by the acting buoyancy while being guided by the plurality of first protrusions 21. When the valve body 46 closes the through hole 36a, the water tap 2 closes.
_{The distance D 1} between the upper end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C is longer than _{the distance D 2} between the lower end of the first protrusion 21 and the axis C. Therefore, a sufficient space is secured between the upper end of the first protruding portion 21 and the axis C, and it is possible to prevent dust G from being clogged in the valve body 11.

The edge portion 23a of the second protruding portion 23 is inclined so as to approach the axis C as it goes upward. As a result, the upper end of the edge portion 23a of the second protruding portion 23 projects inward in the radial direction, so that the valve body 46 can be easily locked to the second protruding portion 23.

The first connecting piece 31 is arranged above the branch pipe 26, and a recess 31b is formed on the upper surface of the first connecting piece 31. When the valve body 11 or the like is formed by injection molding or the like, the recess 31b is formed in the first connecting piece 31, so that shrinkage is less likely to occur around the first connecting piece 31, and the first in the valve body 11 The dimensional accuracy around the connecting piece 31 is improved. Since the first connecting piece 31 is formed at the upper end of the valve body 11, the valve body 11 and the lid are sealed when the first sealing member 16 seals between the upper end of the valve body 11 and the lid 36. The portion 36 can be securely sealed with the first sealing member 16.
Generally, at the time of injection molding, the mold having the concave portion is removed from the concave portion by moving it to the side where the outer surface on which the concave portion is formed faces. In the present embodiment, since the recess 31b is formed on the outer surface of the first connecting piece 31 facing upward, the mold on which the recess 31b is formed is removed from the recess 31b by moving it upward. Since the branch pipe 26 is arranged below the first connecting piece 31, it is possible to suppress the moving mold from interfering with the branch pipe 26 and facilitate the formation of the recess 31b by injection molding.

The water supply pipe P1 inserted from below the valve body 11 is locked to the lower end of the first protruding portion 21. The lower end of the first protruding portion 21 is arranged at the same position in the vertical direction with respect to the lower end of the branch space 26a. Therefore, the water supply pipe P1 does not block the branch space 26a of the branch pipe 26, and the dust G clogged in the valve body 11 can be easily removed from the outside through the branch space 26a of the branch pipe 26.
The same effect can be obtained when the lower end of the first protruding portion 21 is arranged below the lower end of the branch space 26a.

Further, the automatic water faucet 1 of the present embodiment includes a water faucet drive mechanism 51, a control unit 76, and a solar cell panel 61. The water tap 2 is closed by the buoyancy acting on the valve body 46, and is opened by separating the valve body 46 from the through hole 36a of the lid portion 36 against the buoyancy of the valve body 46. Therefore, even when the main control unit of the control unit 76 is operated by electric power and the water faucet drive mechanism 51 is driven to automatically close and open the water faucet 2, it is the water faucet 2 that mainly consumes electric power. It's time to open.
Specifically, when the water tap 2 is opened, when the valve body 46 sealing the opening 38a of the third seal member 38 is moved downward by the spindle 52, a relatively large torque is applied to the drive motor 54. It is necessary and the drive motor 54 consumes a relatively large amount of power. When the valve body 46 is slightly separated from the third seal member 38 downward and water begins to flow upward through the opening 38a, the buoyancy acting on the valve body 46 becomes small. Therefore, the torque required to move the valve body 46 downward by the spindle 52 is reduced, and the power consumed by the drive motor 54 is reduced.

On the other hand, the electric power consumed when closing the water tap 2 is small because it is only for moving the spindle 52 upward.
When the valve body 46 seals the opening 38a and the water faucet 2 is closed, the automatic water faucet 1 consumes no electric power (although it consumes almost no electric power) because there is no torque required for the drive motor 54. include).
As described above, electric power is consumed both when the water faucet 2 is opened and when the water faucet 2 is closed, but the electric power is mainly consumed by the water supply in which the valve body 46 is moved downward by the spindle 52. It is time to open the stopper 2.
Therefore, even if a battery called a solar cell panel 61, which generates relatively little electric power, is used, the faucet 2 can be reliably closed and opened by the faucet drive mechanism 51.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the configuration is changed, combined, or deleted without departing from the gist of the present invention. Etc. are also included.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, as in the water tap 3 shown in FIG. 6, a second protruding portion 96 having a trapezoidal shape in a side view may be provided instead of the second protruding portion 23. The edge of the second protrusion 96 facing the axis C extends along the vertical direction. The lower edge of the second protrusion 96 is inclined downward as it goes inward in the radial direction. The upper edge of the second protrusion 96 is inclined upward as it goes inward in the radial direction.

The water tap 2 does not have to include the branch pipe 26. If the water tap 2 includes the first protruding portion 21 and the second protruding portion 23, a sufficient space is secured between the upper end of the first protruding portion 21 and the axis C, so that the inside of the valve body 11 This is because it is possible to prevent the dust G from being clogged.
The water tap 2 does not have to include the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 23. This is because if the water tap 2 includes the branch pipe 26, the dust G clogged in the valve body 11 can be easily removed from the outside through the branch space 26a of the branch pipe 26.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the thickness of the first connecting piece 31 in the vertical direction is thin, or when the shrinkage around the first connecting piece 31 is not a problem, the recess 31b is formed in the first connecting piece 31. It does not have to be formed.
The automatic water faucet 1 may not include the storage battery 75, and the electric power generated by the solar cell panel 61 may be directly supplied to the control unit 76 and the drive motor 54.
The automatic water faucet 1 may not include the drive motor 54 and the solar cell panel 61, but may include a handle or the like at the upper end of the spindle 52. In this case, the valve body 46 is moved upward and downward by manually rotating the handle in the directions E1 and E2 around the axis C.
Although the solar cell is the solar cell panel 61, the shape of the solar cell is not limited to the panel shape, and may be a block shape or the like.

1 Automatic water faucet 2, 3 Water faucet 11 Valve body 11a Internal space 21 First protrusion 23,96 Second protrusion 23a Edge 26 Branch pipe 26a Branch space 31 First connecting piece (connecting piece)
31b Recess 36 Lid 36a Through hole 46 Valve body 51 Water faucet drive mechanism 61 Solar cell panel (solar cell)
76 Control unit C axis D ₁ , D ₂ distance

Claims (5)

A valve body whose axis is formed in a tubular shape along the vertical direction,
A plurality of first projecting portions arranged around the axis of the valve body, projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the axis, and extending in the vertical direction, and
It is arranged so as to project toward the axis from the edge of the lower end of the first protrusion facing the axis, and the axis is closer to the axis than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis. A second protrusion formed so that the distance is close,
A lid that is mounted above the valve body, covers the opening of the valve body, and has a through hole that communicates with the internal space of the valve body.
A valve body arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions in the valve body and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions.
A seal member arranged over the entire circumference of the valve body between the upper end portion of the valve body and the lid portion,
A branch pipe that is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, communicates with the internal space of the valve body, and has a branch space that opens to the outside.
A connecting piece disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the valve body above the branch pipe and located radially outside the sealing member.
With
Bolt holes are formed in each of the lid portion and the connecting piece.
By fixing the bolt hole of the lid portion and the bolt inserted into the bolt hole of the connecting piece with a nut, the lid portion can be detachably attached to the valve body.
The valve body moved upward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions, sealed the through hole when contacting the lid, and moved downward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions. Sometimes locked to the plurality of second protrusions,
The distance between the upper end of the first protrusion and the axis is longer than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis.
A water faucet having a recess formed on the outer surface of the connecting piece facing upward. The water tap according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed so as to sandwich the bolt hole of the connecting piece. A valve body whose axis is formed in a tubular shape along the vertical direction,
A plurality of first projecting portions arranged around the axis of the valve body, projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the axis, and extending in the vertical direction, and
It is arranged so as to project toward the axis from the edge of the lower end of the first protrusion facing the axis, and the axis is closer to the axis than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis. A second protrusion formed so that the distance is close,
A lid that is mounted above the valve body, covers the opening of the valve body, and has a through hole that communicates with the internal space of the valve body.
A valve body arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions in the valve body and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions.
A branch pipe that is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, communicates with the internal space of the valve body, and has a branch space that opens to the outside.
A plurality of connecting pieces arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body above the branch pipe and projecting outward in the radial direction,
With
Bolt holes are formed in each of the lid portion and the connecting piece.
By fixing the bolt hole of the lid portion and the bolt inserted into the bolt hole of the connecting piece with a nut, the lid portion can be detachably attached to the valve body.
The valve body moved upward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions, sealed the through hole when contacting the lid, and moved downward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions. Sometimes locked to the plurality of second protrusions,
The distance between the upper end of the first protrusion and the axis is longer than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis.
The connecting piece is a water faucet arranged so as not to overlap the branch pipe when viewed from the vertical direction. A valve body whose axis is formed in a tubular shape along the vertical direction,
A branch pipe that is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, communicates with the internal space of the valve body, and has a branch space that opens to the outside.
A plurality of first projecting portions arranged around the axis of the valve body, projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the axis, and extending in the vertical direction, and
It is arranged so as to project toward the axis from the edge of the lower end of the first protrusion facing the axis, and the axis is closer to the axis than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis. A second protrusion formed so that the distance is close,
A lid that is mounted above the valve body, covers the opening of the valve body, and has a through hole that communicates with the internal space of the valve body.
A valve body arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions in the valve body and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions.
With
The valve body moved upward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions, sealed the through hole when contacting the lid, and moved downward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions. Sometimes locked to the plurality of second protrusions,
The branch pipe is provided between a plurality of the first protrusions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.
The lower end of the first protruding portion is a water faucet arranged at the same position in the vertical direction or below the lower end of the branch space. A valve body whose axis is formed in a tubular shape along the vertical direction,
A branch pipe that is provided so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, communicates with the internal space of the valve body, and has a branch space that opens to the outside.
A first protruding portion, which is arranged around the axis of the valve body, projects from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the axis, and extends in the vertical direction.
It is arranged so as to project toward the axis from the edge of the lower end of the first protrusion facing the axis, and the axis is closer to the axis than the distance between the lower end of the first protrusion and the axis. A second protrusion formed so that the distance is close,
A lid that is mounted above the valve body, covers the opening of the valve body, and has a through hole that communicates with the internal space of the valve body.
A valve body arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions in the valve body and movable in the vertical direction with respect to the plurality of first protrusions.
With
The valve body moved upward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions, sealed the through hole when contacting the lid, and moved downward with respect to the plurality of first protrusions. Sometimes locked to the plurality of second protrusions,
The branch pipe is a water faucet provided between a plurality of the first protrusions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and at a position overlapping the second protrusion in the vertical direction.

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